Field manual

The MCG is a sporting shrine with a global reputation, and for everyone who's ever played Australian Football, it's the ultimate destination for game.

Built in 1853, it's seen more than its fair share of dramatic action, and has the footprints of the game's greatest players across its turf.

The MCG hosted its first AFL grand final in 1902, with 35,000 people turning up to watch Collingwood beat Essendon. Since then, both the ground and game have grown enormously, with 100,012 watching the 2008 grand final when Hawthorn beat Geelong.

Getting there

Trams No. 75 (City-Vermont South) and No. 48 (City-North Balwyn). The No. 70 (City-Wattle Park) also stops a short distance from the ground. Visit Public Transport Victoria for more information.

Trains The two train stations close to the MCG are Jolimont, which is north of the ground, and Richmond to the south. For Jolimont, catch trains running on Hurstbridge or Epping lines from the city. For Richmond from the city, take any train on the Lilydale, Belgrave, Alamein, Glen Waverley, Dandenong, Pakenham, Cranbourne, Frankston or Sandringham lines. If you’re coming from outside Melbourne, V/Line services will take you to Southern Cross Station.

Bus Route 246 is run by National Bus Company, links LaTrobe University with Elsternwick Station and useful for visitors travelling from the northern and southern suburbs.